A Dynamic Hydrocyclone Adapting to Different Operating Points by Changing the Inlet Area

ABSTRACT In this study, a novel hydrocyclone design was developed featuring a variable inlet geometry, which enables adjustment of the inlet area during operation. This allows control over the flow velocity within the cyclone, thereby maintaining a constant tangential velocity despite changes in volumetric flow rate. The prototype demonstrated a constant separation efficiency across a volumetric flow range spanning a factor of two between its minimum and maximum capacities. Two control strategies were investigated: operation at constant pressure drop and operation at constant inlet velocity, both under varying flow rates and inlet geometries. To initially examine the influence of key parameters, hydrocyclones with fixed geometries were fabricated using rapid prototyping and employed in experimental trials. These findings informed the subsequent development and construction of a dynamically adaptive steel prototype capable of dynamic geometrically adjustment.